A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Izmir vs. Heidelberg for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Izmir or Heidelberg?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Izmir and Heidelberg. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Izmir or Heidelberg?

Izmir

Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is a top travel destination in Germany. It's picturesquely situated in the Neckar River Valley and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city has a population of over 148,000 and it's home to Germany's oldest university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, which has a student population of approximately 28,000.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg or Izmir?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Heidelberg is $152. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Izmir and Heidelberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Heidelberg $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Heidelberg $198
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Heidelberg

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Heidelberg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Izmir


Hotels in Heidelberg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Izmir Hotel Prices and Heidelberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Heidelberg $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Private Transfer From Izmir Airport to Pamukkale : $295
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bodrum: $294
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Bozbuk Bay (Akbuk) Hotels: $213
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Akbuk Hotels: $196
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Yalikoy (Didim) Hotels: $191
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bergama: $185
  • Izmir Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $177
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Didim: $167
  • Izmir International Airport (ADB): Private Transfer to Çeşme: $167
  • Izmir International Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
  • Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $153
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $147

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

Also for Heidelberg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
  • Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
  • Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
  • Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Heidelberg?

Prices for flights to both Heidelberg and Izmir change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Izmir $24
    Heidelberg $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg

For Heidelberg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
  • Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $598

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Heidelberg $12

Tours and Activities in Izmir

Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Highlights of Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port : $131
  • Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $100
  • Small Group Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $126
  • "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
  • 1 Day Ephesus And Pamukkale Tour From Izmir By A Local Expert: $300
  • 2-Day Small-Group Tour Highlights of Ephesus from Izmir: $169
  • 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,068
  • Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $282
  • Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour from Izmir: $280
  • Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
  • Biblical Ephesus, Mother Mary House, St John Basilica and Temple of Artemis Tour from Izmir with Private Guide: $272
  • Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $174

Tours and Activities in Heidelberg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Heidelberg.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Pure experience: Original Black Forest farmer smoke tour: $6.54
  • Heidelberg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Heidelberg Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $6.95
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.54
  • Uncover A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through Time: $11
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Heidelberg $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152

Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Heidelberg:

  • Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Heidelberg, we can see that Heidelberg is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Izmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Izmir and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Heidelberg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heidelberg than you might in Izmir.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Izmir Expensive? and Is Heidelberg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Heidelberg?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Heidelberg, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Izmir or Heidelberg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Izmir or Heidelberg in the Summer?

Both Heidelberg and Izmir during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

In July, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Heidelberg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Heidelberg. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Heidelberg. Also, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Izmir is much warmer than Heidelberg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Heidelberg 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Heidelberg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Heidelberg. Also, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Heidelberg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Izmir is much warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun.

Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Heidelberg. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Heidelberg 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Heidelberg in the Spring?

Both Heidelberg and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Izmir usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Izmir

Izmir Heidelberg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)